F-Class Destiny Hunter

Chapter 57

[The Chamber of Poisonous Snakes has begun.]

[Please protect ■■■.]

[Time Limit: One week]

Similar to the previous stage, the mission was not clearly specified, leaving them in a perplexing situation. It was unclear what they needed to protect, which left them in a quandary. Yun Geoul looked at it and casually remarked, "I don't know what it is, but at least this time it seems more comfortable. It's better than killing something."

"Yeah, it's certainly better than a mission where we have to kill something, but..."

Yohan, on the other hand, groaned in discomfort.

"I have no idea what we're supposed to protect. Since it's the Chamber of Poisonous Snakes, should we protect something from snakes?"

To this, Dokgo Jun lightly chuckled and said, "Well, who knows? Maybe it's something like that. But where would the snakes be?"

Indeed, the Sixth Stage was open in all directions. The place they were in seemed like it could be the sea or a lake, but it was impossible to tell for sure. It was just a wide expanse of water with a bridge that stretched out into infinity. Massive trees, grown from within the water, obstructed their view, making it difficult to see what was in the vicinity.

"We should be careful. If we fall into the water..."

"Oh? Sister Shin Sooah?"

Yohan, who had been looking around, suddenly became alarmed as he noticed Shin Sooah's absence. She had been beside them just a moment ago, but now she was gone. Then, a voice came from above.

"I'm up here."

When they looked up toward the source of the voice, they saw Shin Sooah perched on a tree branch. She was scanning her surroundings and then, after spotting something, she gracefully leaped down and spoke to the others.

"I can see land over there. There seem to be containers... or something similar."

"Containers?"

"I might have seen it wrong, but there was something eye-catching. I think it's a good idea to check it out."

Seo Gangrim nodded in agreement with her words. Then, guided by Shin Sooah, they began crossing the bridge. The sound of the waves filled the air, and people whispered softly.

"Containers... We've never seen anything like that in the previous places before, right?"

"That's right. Could it be a demonic spirit?"

"Well, I doubt it. It doesn't seem like that's the case, but if it turns out that way, it could be interesting."

"Brother Dokgo Jun's words are hard to understand... Eek!"

As they chatted, Yohan suddenly screamed and dropped to the ground in fright.

His face turned as white as if he had seen a ghost.

Seo Gangrim helped him up and asked, "Father, what happened?"

"Oh, it's nothing. I thought I heard... something below..."

Amidst the silence, it seemed like they had heard the sound of something passing by. Yun Bom also had a frightened expression on her face.

"Ma-maybe it's a monster...? I've never fought with a water-dwelling monster before..."

"It might be a fish. It's probably nothing to worry about, but let's quickly get onto dry land."

Seo Gangrim's words were met with swift nods from the two of them. Fortunately, it wasn't long before they reached the end of the bridge, and land came into view.

"Follow me this way," Shin Sooah spoke and took the lead.

On the land, as on the water, numerous trees filled the surroundings, so much so that no grass grew beneath their shade. The rustling sound of snakes could be heard, or so it seemed. In the midst of this, the group suddenly stopped in their tracks. In front of them stood a massive tree.

"Wow, this tree is huge," Yun Bom looked up at the giant trunk and commented. The size alone was enough to capture their attention, and each branch was adorned with colorful ribbons. Beneath the tree, there was something Shin Sooah had mentioned a container. It was an object that seemed out of place in this setting. People were keeping their distance from the container, as they couldn't know what might be inside.

Yun Geoul surveyed the surroundings and mumbled, "What could be inside there? If we open it, could monsters come pouring out...? And what's that tree next to it?"

"It's not monsters inside; it's like a makeshift outpost. The tree next to it is a sacred tree called Seonangmok."

From the back, a voice could be heard, and people urgently turned to look behind them. Suddenly, someone appeared beneath the sacred tree. Not even Seo Gangrim felt his presence. The person's voice was unfamiliar, but his appearance was not. Black suit, mask, and gloves. Upon seeing him, some people wore perplexed expressions.

"You all must be from Zone Two, I see you're here earlier than I thought, hello. I'm Seo Jungmin from the Destiny Protection Bureau."

A few people looked puzzled at the appearance of someone who was neither a demon nor a ghost.

Yohan asked with curiosity, "Shouldn't Deputy Annaby be here...?"

"Oh, no! Deputy Annaby is in charge of Zone Two, so she couldn't come for fairness' sake. But don't worry."

With an energetic voice, the newcomer continued, "I have many things to explain about this place, which is why I'm here. Please have a seat for now."

With that, several people found nearby benches and rocks to sit on. Seo Gangrim, however, remained still like a guardian.

After clearing his throat, the man spoke, "Then, everyone, I'll explain about the Chamber of the Poisonous Snake. You will be protecting snakes for a week."

"...Snakes?"

"Yes, snakes. Those that has lived for a long time."

He casually raised a screen in front of everyone. It showed a snake slithering through the bushes. The exact size couldn't be determined, but it appeared larger than an ordinary snake.

"Have you heard the saying? A snake that lives for five hundred years becomes a lesser dragon, and one that lives for a thousand years becomes a dragon."

"Ah, I've heard of it."

When Dokgo Jun added some comments, Seo Jeongmin seemed delighted and continued, "I see you've heard of it! Then, the explanation will be quick. The snakes here are dreaming of becoming dragons."

He clapped his hands lightly and added more to the explanation, "Your mission is to protect these snakes, or to be precise, these snakes aspiring to become dragons, for a week."

"Protect them from what?"

In response to Shin Sooah's question, Seo Jeongmin continued with a casual tone, "From various things! Probably even from demons. These snakes that want to become dragons are quite strong, but the ones before that... don't have much going for them."

After saying that, Seo Jeongmin provided a few more details. In summary, it went something like this:

1. Each person should find one snake, and mark it.

2. Snakes with marks must be protected for a week.

3. You can leave the lobby and return during the mission.

4. However, if a snake is killed while you're outside, the mission is considered a failure. Also, you can't take the snake with you.

5. You can entrust your snake to a Deputy for up to six hours a day. During that time, the snake will be protected.

"And there are a few more things I'd like to mention, please check the manual for those details. But you don't need to worry too much about it!"

Saying so, Seo Jeongmin distributed long pieces of cloth to the people. They seemed to be of the same type as the ones tied to the sacred tree. Once people accepted them, the end of the cloth began to smolder, and the bearer's name was engraved in it.

[Item] Token of Friendship

[Rank] Human First-class

[Description] When equipped with this token bearing your name, the target's wariness of you is reduced. The effectiveness varies depending on the difference in rank between you and the target.

The Token of Friendship was mainly used when taming demons. When they saw their names engraved on the cloth, people accepted them. After checking that everyone had their cloth tokens, Seo Jeongmin saluted energetically.

"Take care, then! I have some business to attend to, so I'll be leaving."

With that, he waved goodbye and disappeared from sight. Left alone with their group, the people of Zone Two looked at each other. Everyone was holding a piece of cloth with their names engraved on it.

Yohan smiled brightly and said, "Still, I'm glad it seems like a mission I can do alone...!"

For the first time in a long time, Father Yohan was in a good mood. But Seo Gangrim knew that his face would soon be clouded with frustration. Dokgo Jun seemed to have realized this as well and said abruptly, "Whether that's up to Father's liking or not..."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"First, we need to find the snakes, right? We don't know if the snakes will listen to us obediently."

Dokgo Jun continued nonchalantly, "Just think about trying to tie a regular snake with cloth. Do you think they'll stay still?"

"......."

It was only now that Father Yohan realized the situation, and his expression stiffened. Dokgo Jun smirked when he saw his face.

"If you're thinking of asking for help, I'll refuse."

"I-I didn't have that in mind..."

"Alright, alright. You should be capable of that much to become one of us."

Seo Gangrim began to worry about who might be included in Dokgo Jun's 'us.'

Dokgo Jun then turned around with light steps.

"Well, I'm going to look for snakes. No need for all of us to stick together until then."

As he left, Shin Sooah also nodded her head.

"I'll search separately. And..."

Shin Sooah hesitated with her words before turning to Father Yohan.

"Father Yohan, don't pay any attention to that person's words. If you need company, I'll go with you."

"W-Well... For now, I'll, uh, try doing it alone..." Father Yohan might struggle alone, but Seo Gangrim didn't insist. He could always help later on. Seo Gangrim also got up from his spot and said, "Then, I'll also go ahead."

"Oh, I'll go with my master!"

"Me too!"

"Me too!"

The twin siblings raised their hands eagerly. Linnie also seemed to want to go with them, as she was nodding vigorously. Seo Gangrim started walking as if he didn't mind either way. They started following without a word, as if Seo Gangrim had told them to do as they pleased. After walking for a while and maintaining silence, Yoon Geoul was the first to speak. "Master, where are we going?"

He was retracing his steps. Seo Gangrim answered dryly, "We're going to the water."

"The water...? Aren't the snakes inside there?"

Yoon Geoul pointed toward the forest. It was only natural for snakes to live in the ground. Nevertheless, Seo Gangrim didn't stop.

"Master, you're going alone again without saying anything," Yoon Geoul grumbled but followed behind quietly.

Seo Gangrim then stopped at a place near the bridge he saw when he arrived at this stage. He stepped onto the bridge and headed inward.

Yoon Bom asked, puzzled, "Master, are you trying to go back to the lobby?"

Then, Yoon Bom's scream tore through the silence.

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